Protea
cynroides = Flowering heads/= King.
Protea/= King Sugar.
Bush/= Artichoke.-flower/= Reuse protea/= Indlungi/= Isiqalaba/=
Isiqwane/= Grootsuikerkan/= Honeypot.
http://ir.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/588
Vergleich:
Enthält: C + N + wenig P;
Comparison of Protea cynaroides with
AIDS Miasm
Siehe:
Proteaceae + Anhang (Izel Botha) + Staatssymbol
S. Afrika + Integrated methodology (Izel Botha:
C4, Sherr and Dream provings of Protea cynaroides)
[Izel Botha]
Not traditionally used, but seem to mirror
the stresses, reactions and illnesses of the migrant workers
AETIOLOGY: DANGER AND SURVIVAL
Danger from water, drowning
Protective mechanism: Care only for
your own survival, ignore threat if it doesn’t affect you directly
Avoid danger, Deception, Flight or
fight: attack first, else flee
Threatened by those more powerful
Struggle to survive - “they will
kill me and eat me”
Pursued, Raped, Murder, Robbers,
muggers
Flight or Fight
Attak first, else flee, because they
are mot powerful and protected
Sudden attack
STAGE 1: AWARENESS:
Awareness of one’s surroundings,
absorbing all the information the senses are bombarded with. There is a strong
connection to the family or group and the softness and vulnerability but there
is someone else to take care of all the needs.
TRANSITION WITH ANXIETY
There is a realisation that all is
not as it seems and that there is danger threatening survival.
STAGE 2: EGO, RESTRICTION AND
REBELLION
The anxiety about survival results
in the hypertrophy of the ego in an effort to ensure survival. The rules of the
group are restrictive and through disobedience one runs the risk of being cast
out of the group. The desire to express the individuality leads to irritability
and aggression whenever it is restricted. The expression is however possible
due to
the restless energy generated by the
desire to stand and fight for acknowledgement of self.
STAGE 3: EXHAUSTION
All the fighting does not remove the
danger. The constant vigilance results in exhaustion. In an attempt to protect
oneself, a hard protective exterior is projected over the natural softness
resulting in a disconnection from everyone and everything. This pushes the
individual to the other extreme, away from the connectiveness into total
detachment.
STAGE 4: BALANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
During the introspection brought on
by the detachment in stage three, universal questions arise as to balance in an
attempt to reconnect with family and friends. This results in feelings of
resignation and acceptance of fate. There is sadness in the loss of the
individual expression but a realisation that in embracing the finer things in
life communication can be re-established. There is remorse over past behaviour.
POSSIBLE CLINICAL APPLICATION
Back pain Menopausal
syndrome
Constipation Myalgic
encephalomyelitis (= ME)
Diarrhoea Premenstrual
syndrome
Protea cynroides [Izel Botha] = C4 trituration
The Proteaceae family is one of the most prominent flowering families in
the southern hemisphere. It is known to have existed 140 million years ago and
is thus one of the oldest flowering plants on earth. It is named after the
Greek mythological sea god, Prometeus, who was said to be able to change his
shape and appearance into various animate and inanimate forms at will.
Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist, chose the name Protea because of the great variability within the genus
(Leonhardt & Criley, 1999; Paterson-Jones, 2007). The French botanist,
Jussieu, assigned the family name Proteaceae (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999).
There are about 1700 recognised species within the family Proteaceae, 400 of
which occur in Africa of which 330 species in the south-western Cape
(Paterson-Jones, 2007). Protea is
a large genus with 136 species, 117 native to the African continent and 82 from
South Africa (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999; Vogts, 1982). Proteaceae can be
divided into two subfamilies: Proteoideae and Grevilleoideae (Rebelo, 1995).
The amazing variety in plant size, habit, flower size and colour of the
genus Protea was the reason it was named after the Greek god Proteus, who could
change his shape at will. The flower bud of Protea cynaroides looks remarkably
like the globe artichoke vegetable with the Latin name of Cynara scolymus and
this led the botanist Linnaeus to give it the species name cynaroides.
Protea species are found in the winter,
all-year round and summer rainfall areas, ranging from the Cape northwards
through Central Africa to East and West Africa (Paterson-Jones, 2007: 10).
They are neither herbaceous nor annual, but are always woody. Their
structural habit varies from groundcover forms with creeping stems or
underground stems, to vertical shrubs and trees (Rebelo, 1995). All are united
by the common characteristic of possessing glabrous leaves with a prominent
petiole or leaf stalk (Rourke, 1982).
The leaves are generally large, lignified, hard and leathery and will
snap rather than fold when bent (Rebelo, 1995). Their leathery texture allows
them to withstand the drying effects of the winds. The wind, in their natural
habitat, is also moisture laden, sometimes supplying the only water to the
plant in the summer months (Eliovson, 1983).
Drought resistance and water conservation is thus an important feature
of the leaves, and their high carbon to nitrogen ratio renders them
indigestible to most insects
(Rebelo, 1995).
Protea flowers are involucres. The flowers
are composed of three fused perianth segments enclosing three anthers, and a
fourth anther in a perianth segment that falls free
when the flower opens, exposing the style with its pollen presenter. The
style attaches to the perianth tube, terminating in the hairy ovary. These
sessile flowers are arranged
in spirals on a compound receptacle, with the youngest in the centre,
and are enclosed by the coloured bracts (Vogts, 1982). The floral biology of proteas is protandrous,
with anthesis occurring prior to the stigma becoming.
The anthers release their pollen before the stigma of the same flower is
receptive (Award Publications Limited, 2005). receptive; a mechanism to help
insure cross pollination. The large, red coloured terminal inflorescences, long
pollen presenters and copious amounts of nectar attract pollinators
(Hargreaves, et al., 2004).
Pollination occurs predominantly through Cape Sugarbirds, Promerops cafer, and other nectar
eating native birds, as well as rodents, insects - honey bee and Great Protea
Beetle, Trichostetha fascicularis -
and the wind, as proteas are
incapable of self-pollination (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999; Rebelo, 2007a).
After flowering, the flower-heads close up, forming woody capsules (seed-heads)
which are able to withstand fires (Moore, 2006; Paterson-Jones, 2007). The
starry brown base of the seed-head remains on the plant after the seeds are
released. Protea cynaroides can
yield up to 400 fertile seeds from each flowering head. The seeds can be sown
about four to six months after the flowers have bloomed. The mature seed
remains viable for three to four years. Proteas
generally flower in the third or fourth year from seed, but in
favourable conditions Protea
cynaroides has been known to flower in the second season (Eliovson,
1983).
Proteas can be propagated from
seed, but commercial growers usually propagate from cuttings/known to root
quickly, but rooting times are variable among species (Leonhardt & Criley,
1999).
Wu, Du Toit, Reinhardt, Rimando, Kooy and Meyer
(2007) point out that difficult-to-root stem cuttings tend to contain higher
amounts of endogenous rooting inhibitors, (rutin and tannic acid) which delay
or inhibit root formation, compared to easy-to-root stems containing high
concentrations of root promoters (catechol, chlorogenic acid, phloroglucinol
and phlorogenic acid).
Proteaceae roots show elaborate clumping of
hairy rootlets, termed proteoid roots,33 which sufficiently increase the
surface area per unit length of root by 140x (Lamont, 2003; Shane &
Lambers, 2005). The proteoid roots, resembling fragments of cotton wool,
develop in the rainy season and are an auxiliary system which may double the
mass of the plant‘s permanent root structure. These roots are twice as
efficient at picking up water and nutrients as normal roots (Moore, 2006). These
roots are metabolically active, excreting carboxylates, protons, phenolics and
water. The root clusters also secrete enzymes into the rhizosphere, enhancing
the exudation of acid phosphatase, especially when the availability of
phosphorus in the soil is low. They also enhance solubilisation processes,
promoting the release of iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese
and zinc ions from insoluble organic and inorganic forms. Toxic
aluminium and calcium ions are also released, but tend to be immobilised by carboxylates.
Lastly, these roots, with their associated rootlets and root hairs, maximise
the soil-root water potential gradient pathway for nutrient whose uptake is
controlled by mass flow, and minimise the path length for nutrients whose
uptake is dependent on diffusion. This means that nutrient uptake is maximised,
especially in the impoverished soils where proteas normally grow (Lamont, 2003; Shane & Lambers, 2005).
Relatively low concentrations of nutrients are thus required for normal growth
and the plants are effective at absorbing phosphorus from soils with
low phosphorus status (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999).
It also follows that an excess of phosphates in
the soil may prove fatal to the plant, as the proteoid roots will absorb
nutrients indiscriminately. The same holds true for rich and poorly drained
soil. Good drainage is thus vital to wash away excess nutrient (Moore, 2006).
It is possible to induce local proteoid root formation during a summer drought,
if that part of the root system receives sufficient water (Lamont, 2003). Most Protea species are thus located in
the nutrient-poor soil derived from Table Mountain sandstone.
A few species occur in limestone and calcareous soils and a few grow in
dry, shale-derived soils (Rebelo, 1995). They prefer an acidic soil, with a pH
of about 5.0 to 5.5 (Eliovson, 1983).
Members of the Proteaceae family, especially Protea cynaroides, have adapted to survive fires by growing from
large boles or rootstocks, also known as lignotubers.34.
The woody lignotuber contain many dormant buds, which are stimulated to
produce more growth after a fire has killed the aboveground parts of the plant
(Moore, 2006; Rebelo, 1995). The woody seed capsules also protect the seeds
from fire. Once the fire has burnt out, the seed-heads will open and the wind
will disperse the seeds.
This survival strategy is known as serotiny (Moore, 2006;
Paterson-Jones, 2007).
Protea cynaroides, breath-taking in its magnificence
and perfection (Eliovson, 1983: xix), has been South Africa‘s national
flower since 1976 (Eliovson, 1983; Vogts, 1982).
It is also evident on the national coat of arms, representing ...the
beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential as a nation... [It]
symbolises the holistic integration of forces that grow from the earth and are
nurtured from above (Government Communication and Information System, 2000).
The name cynaroides, like Cynaria,
alludes to the similarity of the flower-head to that of the globe artichoke, Cynaria scolymus. It is adaptable,
hence its habitat is extremely varied: it occurs from the Cedarberg in the
northwest to Grahamstown in the east, on all mountain ranges in this area,
except for the dry interior ranges, and at all elevations, from sea level to
1500 meters high (Jamieson, 2001). Proteas
has been successfully commercially cultivated in Australia, New Zealand,
the U.S., particularly in California and Hawaii, Zimbabwe, Israel, Madeira,
Tenerife, El Salvador and Maui (Parvin, 1991). This results in innumerable local
races or variants differing in growth habit, stature, colour, size, the
structure of flower-head and flower time (Rourke, 1982). It is an upright woody
shrub with large, stiffly erect, solitary terminal flower-heads and distinctly
stalked leaves (Paterson-Jones, 2007; Rebelo, 1995). The bush is comparatively
small for such a giant flower, and the flower-heads face upwards towards the
sun (Eliovson, 1983). Most plants are one metre in height when mature, but may
vary according to locality and habitat from 0.35 metres to 2 metres in height
(Jamieson, 2001).
Typically it is found as scattered,
solitary plants, rarely in dense clumps (Rebelo, 1995). It has short, pink,
dense, velvety hairs on the numerous involucral bracts (Paterson-Jones, 2007;
Rebelo, 1995) and the flower-heads are between 12 and 30 centimetres in
diameter with widely spaced bracts arranged in a peak of flowers (Leonhardt
& Criley, 1999; Paterson-Jones, 2007). The colour of the bracts varies from
a creamy white to a deep crimson, but the soft pale pink bracts with a silvery
sheen are the most prized (Jamieson, 2001). Each plant can bear 10 to 20 heads
(Leonhardt & Criley, 1999).
The recommended harvesting stage is the soft-tip stage when bracts have
lost their firmness and begin to loosen but still adheres and few insects are
present, because anthesis has not yet occurred. If the flowers are picked too
early, they will not open (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999). They never wilt and
die, but simply fade from a fresh flowering head into a dried one, retaining
its beauty (Eliovson, 1983).
The King Protea, as a symbol, has been in the news repeatedly since the
South African 1994 elections. There have been numerous cries for the old
springbok sports emblem, viewed as a divisive and racist symbol, to be replaced
by the Protea for all national sport teams. Most of the South African teams
complied, but the rugby team has stubbornly held onto the springbok emblem,
refusing to accept the Protea as their badge. Hartman (2008), however points
out that even the Protea could be viewed as a racist symbol in South African
rugby, as it was the symbol reserved for use of the South African coloured
rugby team under apartheid. It was this struggle around the acceptance of the
Protea symbol that tweaked the interest of the researcher to investigate the
homoeopathic remedy picture of Protea
cynaroides and its potential application in the treatment of South
African diseases prevalent at this time in history.
Endemic diseases were traditionally treated by utilising indigenous
substances, plants available to the inhabitants of the area (Farooquee, Majila
& Kala, 2004; Louw, Regnier & Korsten, 2002). This, partnered with the
concept of the Doctrine of signatures, (Law of Signatures) lead to the
development of the notion that Nature provides a cure for the diseases common
to the area in the plants endemic to that area (Ball, 2007). For example,
Arnica montana grows in mountainous regions and is used to treat bruises and
muscle strain (Atha, 2001; Foster & Johnson, 2008) and Cinchona officinalis
is found in the tropics and contain the alkaloid37 quinine used in the
treatment of malaria, endemic to those regions (Foster & Johnson, 2008).
This notion also connects to Jung‘s theories of the collective consciousness -
that we are the product of the experiences of our ancestors (Read, Fordham
& Adler, 1960). This is not only a European notion. African philosophy also
hold the widespread belief that Motho ke motho ka Batho - a person is a person
through other persons (Augusto, 2007) (kein Mensch ist einen Insel). Although
no literature was available on the medicinal uses of Protea cynaroides, Protea
repens has been used traditionally as an ingredient of cough syrups (Van Wyk
& Gericke, 2007). It is the researcher‘s opinion that perhaps, because of
Protea cynaroides’ ancient relationship to the African continent, it may hold
the answers we need to the medical questions prevalent on this continent.
The concept that plants are marked with signs that indicate their purpose.
It has been used for centuries in herbal medicine to draw a correspondence
between a particular plant and its medicinal use (Foster and Johnson, 2008).
The idea is that the plant resembles the organ or the disease, for
example Chelidonium majus contains an orange-yellow sap, indicating its use for
gallbladder afflictions.
It depends on subjective analysis of the plant, including natural
history, chemical properties, taste, smell and appearance to connect the
patterns observed to the application
of the plant as medicine (Wood, 1997).
A basic nitrogenous organic compound, usually colourless with alkaline
properties, having a marked physiological effect on the nervous and circulatory
system. It serves
no function in the plant kingdom, but is the active ingredient in many
herbal medicines (Foster & Johnson, 2008; Wood, 1997).
CONCLUSION
It would appear that different researchers advocate the use of different
methodologies, be it to make it easier to have compliance by participants or
because of the type of symptoms yielded. A summary of the main points of each
of the methodologies can be seen in Table 1. Most of the authors agree, though,
that it is important to describe
the source of the remedy as meticulously as possible, for that would
ensure strict standards for the remedy‘s manufacture and ensure the
reproducibility of the trial.
Dantas (1996) highlights possible difficulties that may be encountered
when conducting homoeopathic pathogenic trials. He cites the truthfulness,
trustworthiness and conscientiousness of the provers, the purity and power of
the medicine, individual differences between participants, diet and lifestyle
of the provers and supervision of
the subjects as possible stumbling blocks. This study aimed to be
cognisant of these factors and to address possible pitfalls in the
methodologies which may precipitate
the collection of inaccurate data and to minimise such factors.
In studying these different methodologies, the researcher concluded that
there is a need to validate the claims made by each of the developers of the
different methodologies. No in-depth studies encompassing all methodologies are
available, and the claim made by each advocate is based on experience in one
methodology alone. There seems to
be a great variation within the methodologies, for even the dose and
potency of the remedies administered vary.
It is therefore important to establish a baseline for comparing the
methodologies, so as to minimise the variables, while still adhering to the
basic principles stipulated within each of the methodologies.
According to Anthroposophical medicine, the predominance of one feature
of a plant represents the creative structural principle (Husemann & Wolf,
1982: 323), which signifies the plant‘s use as a medicinal plant. The materia
medica of Protea cynaroides is presented in the paragraphs below and serves as
an explanation of the data presented. Every effort was made to retain the
individual expressions of the various provers. The main areas focused on in the
presentation are the mental and emotional symptoms, the general symptoms and
the physical symptoms.
Hot
Burning pain
Heat in head
Hot flushes ascending
Hot breath
> Exposure to sun
Chest pains in heart and mammae
Heart symptoms and palpitations
Inflammation
Sweet taste
Desires: sweets/berries/chocolate;
Sexual desire and libido increased
Eyes and vision symptoms
Gratitude
Heroic dreams
Dreams of pregnancy
Spiritual dreams
Cold & dry
Withdrawn and closed
Aversion to company
Solitude >
Detached and dissociated
Feel spaced out and drugged
Heaviness
Constipation
Cramping, squeezing pains
Constriction in chest
Oppression in chest
Desire fresh air
External pressure ameliorates
> Warmth
Borborygmy
Resentful and brooding
Introspective
Hot & wet
Back pain > stretching
Skeletal muscle afflictions
Nervous afflictions
Sociable
Loneliness ameliorated by company
Consolation ameliorates
Dreams of friends and journeys
Sensitive to all impressions
Laughing over serious matters
Childish
Bladder inflammation and dysuria
Restlessness
Energised
Curious
Cheerful
Innocent
Restless extremities
Heat in extremities
Haemorrhaging
Congestion > discharge
Diarrhoea
Bursting headache
Cold
Fear of death and awareness of danger
Indifference
Alienation, forsaken
Suicidal despair
Suffocation and coughing
Fear of death, evil and the devil
Lung afflictions
Influenza
< Cold and noise
> Warmth
Hearing and smell symptoms
Lack of response
Anxiety with palpitations
Dreams of danger, of being attacked and of violence
Mental/emotional
Evolution of the consciousness of Protea cynaroides which revolves
around the struggle to survive.
Aetiology: Danger and Survival
Danger from water, drowning
Everyone knows what to expect, but doesn‘t talk about it, dangerous if
you talk about it or are in the wrong place at the wrong time
Protective mechanism: Care only for your own survival, ignore threat if
it doesn‘t affect you directly
Avoid danger
Deception
Threatened by those more powerful
Struggle to survive - they will kill me and eat me
Pursued
Raped
Murder
Tension and danger
Robbers, muggers
Flight or fight
Attack first, else flee, because they are more powerful and protected
Sudden attack
STAGE 1
AWARENESS: Aware of one‘s surroundings, absorbing all the information
the senses are bombarded with. There is a strong connection to the family or
group and the softness and vulnerability
is evident, but there is someone else to take care of all the needs.
SENSES SENSITIVE: Alert to any danger which may be approaching
All my senses are heightened
Optimum ability to be alert in any situation
Instinct heightened
Awake and aware - like after a very strong coffee
Allergies to dust, mould
ABSORB EVERYTHING: Very large appetite - wanting to eat constantly
Intense, almost unquenchable thirst, for cold water, dinking a large
volume every time
If I put down the one cup, I wanted to drink another cup Accompanied by
a decreased urge to urinate
No boundaries
CONNECTION: GROUP OR FAMILY: Connectedness to everything, attachment and
a need to connect to something bigger
compassionate
family/tribe
Many childhood memories: memories of dead relatives, ex-boyfriends
Feel loving, motherly, nurturing
Romance
Thoughts of children, babies, newborn babies still with the umbilical
cords attached
Great feeling of unity & of oneness with the group and seeking to
unite the members of this group
Cannot let go - need each other.
Dependent
Feeling of being at home
Peaceful
Desire to communicate
Very aware of time
Strength and energy from the group
Desire honesty
Desire company of partner, family - unconditional love
HAPPINESS: Childlike
Playing, playful
Laughing
No responsibility
SOFTNESS & VULNERABILITY: Want it to be soft, so as not to harm the
substance
Sensitive, delicate
Light
Gentle and kind and loving
Thinness: lace, silk - fragile, like broken eggshells
Timid
Weak and vulnerability
Need of nurturing, protection, care
TRANSITION: There is a realisation that all is not as it seems and that
there is danger threatening survival.
ANXIETY: Not knowing what is going on around me frightens me
Standing by my conviction, not being perfect, not doing what is expected
of you would result in out casting, abandonment
Going against the rhythm of nature.
Exam tension and what if I don‘t know the answer, anxiety about being
watched
Anticipating some danger or disease
Adrenaline rush and panic attack
Sensed something is wrong, insecure
Anxiety about what others are thinking, Don‘t want to care - but if I
don‘t, people really won‘t like me!
STAGE 2
The anxiety about survival results in the hypertrophy of the ego in an
effort to ensure survival. The rules of the group are restrictive and through disobedience
one runs
the risk of being cast out of the group. The desire to express the
individuality leads to irritability and aggression whenever it is restricted.
The expression is however
possible due to the restless energy generated by the desire to stand and
fight for acknowledgement of self.
RESTRICTION: Restricted and constricted by rules. Cannot do what I want.
Want to be free, desire to escape: Although if I was meant to die I
would embrace it, but not be caged up and have my freedom taken away. Death is
better than torture.
I am a survivor, I will escape, I don‘t need anyone to like or help me
Trapped/captive
Outcast / Lonely / Isolation
Restless, > activity
Rebellious - Desire to survive alone, following no rules, childlike
anger
Desire independence: I feel I‘ve given so much all my life, is it too
much to expect a little in return
Suppressed emotion: I couldn‘t like let go, experience like this whole
like emotion completely and fully because I was like aware of the other people
that were in the lab
and it was like ‗come on now, don‘t start a scene, don‘t make a
scene, don‘t cause a scene‘
Multiple personalities, it was the struggling, the conflict between like
who I know myself to be and this person like now I have become
Aversion to company, want to be left alone
IRRITABILITY: Annoyed, frustration
Irritated by dependence: So sick of being dependant on a bunch of
useless selfish losers
Irritability when misunderstood
Irritated by noise, hunger, lack of organisation
Irritability about time - it goes too slowly
Irritated when things does not go her way, as planned, as supposed to
be, not what she wanted to do, lies, when things are out of her control
>: sex/company of partner/exercise/activity;
<: people making demands/people preventing her from doing what she
wants to do, having too much to do;
Irritated when people show no gratitude for what she has done
AGGRESSION: Fighting and winning
Attack first, else flee, because they are more powerful and protected
No, everyone‘s going to attack me. I‘m going to kill them!
Aggressive due to impatience, contradiction
Hate, hostile
Childlike anger
Desire to bang and to break, to chop, to hit, to beat, kick, smash and
to scream.
I have to bang, I have to like beat, I have to like hit so that I can
release, there is like too much of like energy, too much of like emotion that
is like within and it like has to come out
Road rage: On my drive there I wanted to take out another car, because
they were racing me and they beat me because someone slowed down in front of
me/why are they allowed the license if they don‘t drive properly
Put on a brave front but feeling insecure and scared inside
Anger at world and restriction
EGO: I am here I exist.
Ego is stronger - My ego is strengthened and I am destined for greater
things the world has to change, and I will make myself part of that change Did
not meet my standards. Loved feeling like I was in the spotlight.
I didn‘t care to listen because it had nothing to do with me
I‘m right, you‘re wrong
Creative - artistic. Making a master piece. Potential to do great
things.
Feeling of being in control, powerful: Inner power, inner strength that
was inside. Inner courage and motivation. win against all odds
Celebrating your own uniqueness
Hero: Sense of pride, belonging, victory, strength/ boldness, diversity.
Independence: I must survive on my own. I don‘t need anyone. I am a
survivor, I will escape, I don‘t need anyone to like help me, i can do it on my
own So independent.
Like I did not need nybody
I‘m going to do it my way. Just get over it. Do your thing I do my
thing. I was happy although I was doing the injustice by getting two guys to
propose to me, but if
someone else did it I was very angry. I‘ve put everything into place and
that‘s how it‘s gonna be. Who cares if there is no order, if I do it my way? At
point it‘s when I
don‘t want people around me, because they‘re, they‘re a pain and they‘re
stopping me from doing things.
Confidence: would do it all the same if it happened again, no regrets. I
have the ability to tell people exactly how I feel, and not worry about the
reaction. I felt that I had every right to be that angry. I prefer to work
alone because nobody can keep up.
Competitive. I didn‘t ever... like if someone was talking, like... I
have to get my story in. I‘ll wait my turn but I want to get my story in. I was
so upset that they could
not see it from my perspective. dreamt that I was participating in a
competition and that I had to do some obstacles in order to win but I then told
them to make it more difficult as the obstacles were too easy...
ENERGY and RESTLESSNESS: Restless: internal restless energy
Clumsy and hyperactive. It feels like I‘ve had 3 cups of very strong
coffee!
An energy rush comes upwards like a kind of sexual energy
Vigour
Imagine different colours of energy frequencies leaving the bowl. Almost
like lightning. Electric! Mostly red. An impatience of the energy of the remedy
to burst forth.
And then I just felt like I was this generator of energy. The charger of
life for myself. My own life support.
Can you isolate a force from energy? There is no force without energy.
Energy is there, it moves because of energy operating.
Anger, was an energised depression
All the fighting does not remove the danger. The constant vigilance
results in exhaustion. In an attempt to protect oneself, a hard protective
exterior is projected over the natural softness resulting in a disconnection
from everyone and everything. This pushes the individual to the other extreme,
away from the connectiveness into total detachment.
TIRED / EXHAUSTED: Physically exhausted and feeling frustrated:what a
waste of time wanting to fight tiredness but no energy to do so
Felt weak, like all my energy had drained out
Mentally exhausted: it‘s like I‘ve blown a gasket or something That‘s
how I feel, like an overworked mother or sleep deprived person.
Woke up exhausted, want more sleep
Don‘t have the energy to move.
DETACHED: Disoriented.
Distant, Detached (and at ease)/Feeling detached from body In my own
world, Want to be in my own space There was a little wall between us the whole
time
Dream: One of them was a picture of 4
rows of trees. The middle 2 rows were close together, indicating that the child
had formed a close relationship with someone.
The distance between the outer rows of trees + the inner, showed that
the child was distancing himself from his other family members & they were
complaining about
this to the social worker.
Spaced out: Floaty, dazed, zoning out, Feel dazed - as if in drug-induced
state, unfocused, distant from everything Detached, dreamlike state. Everything
is fuzzy
and I‘m fading away not focused. Sort of like head in the clouds kind of
thing. not in tune with what I‘m supposed to be doing. I didn‘t feel like I was
really in there,
like it was really going right. Feel like I am running into a big cloud!
It‘s like the lights are on and no-one is there.
Disconnected: I feel very emotionally cut off and quite short, I didn‘t
feel sad, or emotionally involved at all. Don‘t want to talk you just needed to
stay there, don‘t
like come close to me and it‘s so weird, I know. And like I felt like
more that they needed me and when they left I felt like no, I don‘t need
anything Finding it difficult
to connect just lost track of what I‘m doing - feel like I‘m in a
trance. little interest or care to anything surrounding.
I kind of would switch off what I was doing
Existence: I did not exist as if my emotions are taken over by another
person
Indifference: Want to be a cold being, nothing can shake me I am
indifferent
Hard hearted: And I literally could have shot him, and not felt
anything. Stopped loving Destructive, as in disconnected
Dream: My first dream just came back to
me. I didn‘t like this dream because we had found my sister lying in a parking
lot in this massive oil spill. She had been stabbed
in the abdomen. My mom decided we had to get rid of the body because
else we would get blamed for killing her. I noticed that my sister started
moving and wasn‘t dead. She died in my arms. My mom stayed emotionless
throughout and was only concerned with disposing of the body.
Forgetful: I felt like brain dead, like ditsy, I forgot things like all
the time can‘t keep track of what I‘m thinking If I need to do anything I have
to write it down, or make
a to do
Lost track of time: Where am I, what‘s going on, what number are we on,
am I grinding. I feel slowed up and stupid
Loneliness not in tune with what I‘m supposed to be doing. I didn‘t feel
like I was really in there, like it was really going right
Difficulty concentrating: I find it hard to focus, I can‘t concentrate.
It‘s as though my mind has been covered by something that prevents it from
communicating with what my eyes see. My concentration levels today were very
low!!! I don‘t even register if people are talking to me.
Disorganised: I feel very muddled and all over the place!
HARDNESS: Protection: I have been nervous about his arrival all week,
cause I didn‘t want to get too attached to him, but I found that I was quite
hard, and cut off I see an image of an ostrich egg in my mortal. The hard
shell, its durability fascinates me. It feels safe, protective.
Strength
Defence
STAGE 4
During the introspection brought on by the detachment in stage three,
universal questions arise as to balance in an attempt to reconnect with family
and friends. This results
in feelings of resignation and acceptance of fate.
There is sadness in the loss of the individual expression but a
realisation that in embracing the finer things in life communication can be
re-established. There is remorse over past behaviour.
BALANCE: How do I balance life?
Either I was super happy with like everything and who I was in the
world, or I absolutely loathed everything and who I was in the world. And there
was no in-between
Order and pattern versus chaos and mess brings reality into this
illusion
I want to sway and be free. Swirl or move but stay in one spot and well
grounded.
CALMNESS AND RESIGNATION: Calm and at peace with yourself and who you are:
You might not live life as everyone else expects you but do live life as life
expects you and you expect from yourself. And then in every situation choose
the best option available for yourself. And then I felt this calm Out of the
dark - having this knowledge about yourself. Don‘t allow your mind to be the
battle field of negative thoughts.
No positive image will ever come out. You are your own friend and you
are your own enemy. And then I felt more connection with my soul.
Resignation: felt like I was being pushed and pulled like a wave in the
sea. Feel calm. My childhood is sort of gone now, it‘s way back then. And it
was, it wasn‘t like a bad thing necessarily, it was just a bit sad, like rite
of passage, change you, you your phase. And then I was also thinking about
things you have to do as an adult, which you take for granted when you‘re young
and you‘ve got parents who do it for you and you‘ve got all of it to do by
yourself.
Keep it simple. Focus on the essential. Secret lies in the small things.
I feel less internal drive as if things are softer somehow.
Ability to cope on hearing bad news as if prepared for bad news. Facing
your troubles instead of avoiding the darkness and the effort.
Seeing through the lie and making your own mind up about what the truth
is. I don‘t want to be in the dark. I don‘t want to be kept in the dark. I want
to know what is happening. Knowledge is powerful for me. You have to know. It
is vital to know.
I feel less internal drive as if things are softer somehow.
Repertory:
Mind: Absentminded (dreamy)
Absorbed
Activity [desires it (creative]
Affectionate
Alert
Ambition increased (competitive)
Anger (from contradiction/when misunderstood/when things wanted are
refused)
Antagonism with herself
Anxiety [about own family (their safety)/about future/about (own’s)
health/with impeded respiration/sudden]/Fear [losing control/of death/with
desire to escape/
something will happen (to his family)/of insanity/of snakes/sudden]
Ardent
Art - ability for
Awareness heightened (beautiful things)
Awkward
Benevolence
Change - aversion to/desires it
Chaotic
Cheerful
Childish behaviour
Clarity of mind
Colors - desires them
Company - aversion to [desire for solitude/yet fear of being
alone/aversion to the presence of strangers]/desires company (of children)
Concentration difficult
Confidence - want of self confidence/confident
Confusion [as to his identity (sense of duality)/as to time]
Conscientious
> Consolation
Content (with himself)
Courageous
Dancing
Danger - awareness of; heightened
Delusions - ants (bed is full of ants)/is not appreciated/being
attacked/sees (billowy) clouds/impression of danger/being double/of
emptiness/enlarged (parts of body)/
evil/he doubted his own existence/floating on closing eyes/ unwanted by
friends/sees insects/is misunderstood/hearing music/is an outcast/is
trapped/has no weight
Depersonalization
Despair
Destructiveness
Detached
Determined
Dissociation from environment
“As if in a dream”/”As if had taken drugs”/”As if heavy”/”As if has 2
wills”
Dullness
Duty - performs in a perfunctory manner
Dwells on past disagreeable occurrences
Feels at ease
Egotism
Energized feeling
Ennui
Escape, attempts to
Excitement
Exertion - physical >/desires it (in open air)
Fastidious
Fight- wants to
Forgetful
Forsaken feeling (sensation of isolation)
Gratitude
Hatred (and revengeful)
Haughty
Heedlees
Helpless
High spirited
Hurry
Impatience
Impulse morbid (to stab others)
Inconstancy
Indifference
Indignation
Injustice, cannot support it
Insecure mental
Introspection
Irrational
Irritability (from noise/from trifles)
Jealousy
Jewellery - desires to wear it
Kill; desire to (with a knife)
Laughing (over serious matters)
Laziness (with sleepiness)
Learning - desire for
Libertinism
Love - feelings of coming towards her and from her
Memory - active/weakness
Mental power increased
Mildness
Mischievous
Mistakes; making (spelling/writing)
Mood changeable
Morose
Nature - loves it
Occupation - >/desire to
Offended easily
Playful/desires to play
Positiveness
Power - sensation of
Prostration of mind
Protected feeling
Purity - desire for
Rage
Reading <
Rebellious
Reproaching oneself
Resignation
Restlessness (> motion)
Sadness
> Seaside
Self control increased
Selfish
Senses acute
Sensitive (to all external impressions/to noise/to opinions of
others/passage of time)
Sentimental
Shrieking (feels as though she must shriek)
Spaced out feeling
Speech - repeats same thing
Spirals - at awe
Spirituality
Striking (desires to strike)
Suicidal disposition
Suspicious
Sympathetic
Taciturn
Talking - desire to talk to someone/in sleep
< Thinking
Thoughts - disagreeable/of the future/os the
past/profound/rushing/sexual/thoughtful/two trains of thought/vacant/vanishing/wandering
Time - appears shorter, passes too quickly/appears longer, passes too
slowly
Timidity
Trance
Tranquillity (settled, centred and grounded)
Trifles seem important
Desire for truthfulness
Unconsciousness - automatic conduct/trance
Unfortunate - feels it
Sensation of unification
Violent
Weeping (desire to weep)
Wilderness - desires
Writes indistinctly
Vertigo: Looking downward
< Motion/< rising
+ nausea
Head: Congestions
Eruption [pimples (on occiput)]
Formication
Heat (in occiput)
Heaviness (# clearness of mind)
Itching of scalp
“As if light”
Pain [+ nausea/aching/bursting/dull/ext. back/in eyes/in forehead/<
motion/< noise/occiput (ahing)/pressing (“As from a band”/outward)/>
pressure/pulsating/stitching/
< sun/temples (l./r./ext. vertex pulsating)/
In vertex/on waking]
Perspiration of scalp (forehead)
“As if pulled backward”
Tingling
Eyes: Closing the eyes - desires it/involuntary/must close them
Red
Dryness
Heaviness (lids)
Iching (l./r.)
Lachrymation (r./sensation of)
Pain (burning)
Hearing: Impaired (for the human voice)
Face: Clenched jaw
Dark/red (with heat)
Eruptions (pimples)
Lips dry
Heat
Itching (l./chin/forehead)
Pain (aching/above eyes/jaws/pressing)
Perspiration
Tingling < warm room
Nose: Congestion (sinuses)
Coryza (l./r./bloody/with discharge/postnasal)
Discharge [bloody (blowing the nose)/clear/thick/watery/white/yellow]
Dry (inside)
Obstruction (+ hay fever)
Odours; imaginary and real (something burning/flowers/putrid/of
smoke/sweetish/tobacco)
Pain (burning/sinuses)
Sneezing [with asthma/in hay fever/ineffectual efforts/(prolonged)
paroxysms/urging]
Smell: Acute (burning/flowers/perfumes/sweets/tobacco/unpleasant)
Mouth: Dry (“As if dry”/thirstless/with thirst)
Eruptions
Salivation (profuse)
Taste - metallic/sour
Teeth: Grinding (< during sleep)
Pain in lower teeth
Throat: Catarrh
Choking (“As if choking”)
Dry
Itching
Lump
Mucus
Pain (r./burning/< cold/with dryness/”As from something
sharp”/sore/stinging/stitching/< swallowing/> warm drinks/> warmth)
Swallow - constant disposed to
Thick sensation
External throat: Constriction
Pain
Stomach: Appetite - capricious/diminished with thirst (in daytime/with
thirst)/increased (morning)
Eructations
Nausea (+ eructations/after coffee/during eructations/ext. throat/during
heat/looking down/< motion/in throat/in waves)
Vomiting
Pain [cramping/in epigastrium (< after eating)/gnawing]
Thirst (+ dry lips/during headache/for large
quantities/unquenchable)/thirstless
Abdomen: Distension (constipation/after eating)
Flatulence
Gurgling
Pain [burning/cramping (before diarrea)/< after eating/(r.)
hypogastrium/< motion/> pressure/stitching/> after stool/(cramping)
before stool/region of umbilicus
(> pressure)]
Rumbling
Rectum: Constipation (> drinking)
Diarrhea (morning/sudden)
Flatus
„As if a lump“
Pain - tenesmus
Straining/urging
Stool: forcible, sudden, gushing (like an explosion)
Like balls/hard/mucous/offensive/watery (yellow)
Bladder: Inflamed
Urination - dysuria/frequent/seldom/urging absent
Kidneys: Pain
Urethra: Pain - burning/ < after urination
Urine: yellow - dark/copious
Male organs: Sexual desire increased
Female organs: “As if menses would appear”
Menses - copious/dark/scanty/too short (2 days)
Pain (bearing down)
Sexual desire increased
Respiration: Asthmatic
Deep (desire to breathe)
Difficult (with heat/inspiration/“As if water in lungs“/on waking
Hot breath (sensation as if)
Snoring
Suffocation; attacks of
Cough: > drinking/dry/loose/fromoppression in chest
Expectoration: Difficult/yellow
Chest: Constriction (“As from a band”)
Eruptions
Itching (axillae/mammae)
Oppression (< during cough/< inspiration)
Pain [l./r./burning/contracting/cutting/gnawing/heart/<
inspiration/in mammae (sore)]
Palpitation of heart (with anxiety)
Back: Eruption (painful/pimples)
Heat
Itching [in dorsal region scapulae/between shoulders]
Pain [aching/cervical region (ext. to temles)/in dorsal region
(scapulae/between shoulders)/lumbar region/> rubbing/> sitting
erect/sore/> straightening back]
Perspiration
Tension [cervical region (nape of the neck)]
Weakness (lumbar)
Extremities: Awkwardness/incoordination
Coldness
Cramps (in nates)
Eruptions
Formication (evening/upper limbs)
Heat [feet (burning/uncovering)]
Itching [ankle/fingers/forearm (r.)/hands/legs/lower limbs/>
scratching/shoulders/upper limbs (l./> scratching)]
Jerking (legs/lower limbs)
Motion (involuntary/irregular)
Numbness
Pain [aching/dull/feet (burning)/fingers/hands/hips/joints knees/legs
(calves)/lower limb/rheumatic/> rubbing/shoulders/sore/upper limbs
(sore)/wrists]
Sleep: Deep
Disturbed (by the slightest noise/by dreams/by thoughts)
Restless (from bodily restlessness)
Sleepiness (afternoon/< after eating/opening eyes difficult/with
heaviness/overpowering)
Sleepless (from pain/from restlessness/from slight noise)
Unrefreshed (morning)
Waking too early
Yawning
Dreams: Anger/(talking) animals/anxious/arguments/arrested for murder/being
attacked/birds/being bitten (by animals)/blood/breathing under water/old boyfriend/
(about) rescuing children/churches/colored/competition/confused/crime
(concealment of/had committed a crime/danger/of the dead/difficulties/(own)
disease/distorted images/dogs/drowning/eating (chocolate)/embarrassment/own
family/fights/fish (people who are fish)/flood/flying/food/(old)
friends/guilt/helpless feeling/being a
hero/horrible/house/imprisonment/injustice/journeys/beautiful
landscape/lecture/lucid/many/monsters/being a
murderer/mutilation/nightmares/being obese/pregnant
(being/friend is)/taken
prisoner/pursued/rape/relationships/robbers/robbing/running/sea/searching/sexual
(violence)/sick people/snakes/spiritual/supernatural things/has
committed a theft/unpleasant/unremembered/violence/vivid/watching
herself from above/water (danger in water/dirty)/; from danger/waves (huge wave
approaching)
Fever: with chilliness
Internal heat (while body feels cold to the touch)
Perspiration: Cold/profuse
Skin: Dry
Eruptions [> cold applications/pimples (painful)/rash]
Formication
Itching (l./r.)
Generals: l. then r.
r. then l.
> in open air/desire for open air/”As if a draft”/desires cold air
Symptoms ascending/complaints appearing suddenly
Clothing intolerant
< becoming cold
Energy - sensation of/sensation of expansion/
Desires to be fannedsensation of falling
> eructations
Food and drinks:
Desires: alcoholic
drinks/berries/bread/cheese/cherries/chicken/chocolate/coca cola/cold drink,
cold water (without thirst)/(cold/healthy/rich) food/fish/(red/strawberries)
fruit/
ice cream/milk/olives/peanut butter/spicy Indian
pickles/spices/sugar/sushi/sweets/vegetables/water/wine/tobacco;
>: coffee; <: bread; Aversiont to: fat/rich food;
Formication
Sensation “As if from a hangover”
Flushes of heat (extending upward/with palpitatios”)/”As if heat”/heat
in waves
Heaviness
Inflamed joints
Influenza
Lassitude
< looking downward
Loss of fluids
Motion from affected part <
Pain (aching/growing pains/burning)
> Pressure
Restlessness
> scratching with hands
< from loss of sleep
Strength, sensation of
Stretching out (>)
> exposure to the sun/warmth (bathing)
Wavelike sensations
Weakness (with headache/muscular)
Weariness
COMPARISON OF PROTEA CYNAROIDES THEMES TO THAT OF THE AIDS MIASM
CONCLUSION
The hypotheses tested were
1st dealt with the reproducibility of proving symptoms,
striving to prove that symptoms produced in consecutive years while applying
the same methodology are comparable,
2nd different methodologies yield different numbers, types
and quality of symptoms, thirdly that differences exist between the symptoms
yielded by the placebo and the verum groups within the same methodology and
lastly that it is possible to develop an integrated methodology based on the
relative effectiveness of the proving methodologies.
The reproducibility of symptoms were the highest in Groups one (C4
methodology) and three (Dream methodology). It was noted, however, that the
congruency observed in the Dream proving methodology group was due to the low
number of symptoms elicited through its application. It is thus evident that
the C4 and Sherr methodologies are the most reproducible based on rubric
presence, as opposed to Group 3, the Dream proving methodology, where the high
level of similarity lies in the absence of rubrics.
From the data, it was evident that the different methodologies did in
fact yield different numbers, types and quality of symptoms. The methodologies
that yielded the most rubrics are the C4 trituration and the Sherr proving
methodologies. Not only do they yield a large number of rubrics, but they also
yield a much larger number of rubrics than produced by the placebo portion of
the Sherr proving methodology. In the Dream proving methodology group there is
much less rubrics present at each rubric level than yielded by the C4
trituration and the Sherr proving methodologies. The relative effectiveness of
the three methodologies in producing symptoms are discussed in Chapter 5, as
well as their affinity for producing symptoms related to specific chapters,
which is discussed under section 5.4.
In looking at Groups one (C4 proving) and two (Sherr proving) it is
evident that these methodologies are more effective in eliciting responses in
provers with odds ratios indicating that rubrics are more likely to be present
in these groups than absent. These groups are up to three times more effective
in producing rubrics than Group three and up to six times more effective than
the placebo group. The odds ratios for placebo portion of the Sherr proving and
the Dream proving indicate that rubrics have a greater chance of being absent
within these groups than they have of being present. The chances are greater in
the placebo than in Dream methodology group, though, indicating that the active
remedy does elicit more symptoms than the inactive.
The conclusion can thus be drawn that the methodologies employed in
Groups one and two (C4 and Sherr methodologies) are more likely to produce
symptoms than not and that the placebo control and Group three (Dream
methodology) are more likely not to produce symptoms. One can thus assume that
the more effective methodologies are those tested in Groups one and two. No
significant difference exists in the symptoms experienced when comparing the C4
and Sherr methodologies and the methodologies are thus equivalent. The
differences between these groups lie in their chapter affinities, which would
be further explored in the following chapter under section.
It is also evident that the application of the various methodologies
yielded enough symptoms to allow for the compilation of a comprehensive repertory
and materia medica presented in this chapter, thus validating the assumption.
The materia medica and its relation to the AIDS miasm are discussed
further in the following chapter under section 5.6.
DISCUSSION
The aim of this study was to compare the most commonly employed proving
methodologies:
a. the C4 trituration
proving methodology,
b. the Sherr proving
methodology
c. the Dream proving
methodology,
by application in order to ascertain the validity of the claims made in
terms of the efficiency of the method to elicit reproducible symptoms.
C4 proving methodology, as employed in Group one, was chosen on account
of the controversy that surrounds it. As discussed in Chapter 2, authors like
Dellmour (1998) object to the acknowledgement of these provings through
publication and inclusion in repertories. It was thus important to investigate
the claims and to test the merits of this methodology, as it promises a deeper
understanding of the remedy proven and is much less time consuming.
The methodology tested in Group two, the Sherr proving methodology, was
selected based on its widespread use as the acknowledged methodology for
conducting scientifically acceptable provings. This method is widely cited as
the acceptable model for conducting provings and serves as a gold standard
(European Committee for Homeopathy, 2004, 2008; International Council for
Classical Homoeopathy, 1999).
The Dream proving methodology was employed in Group three. Scholten
(2007) feels that meditation provings are more accurate than Dream provings in
giving the essence of the remedy. The Dream proving methodology was chosen to
represent the more intuitive methodologies, for the researcher did not possess
skills to adequately apply a methodology like the meditation proving
methodology in order to assess its effectiveness.
Dream provings are also less time consuming to carry out and thus carry
merit to be investigated.
During the course of the research, 70 provers were recruited to test the
unknown substance through application of the three methodologies mentioned
above. These provers comprised of both female and male participants,
representing all four ethnic groups. The majority of the provers were either
homoeopaths or homoeopathic students, although members of the general public
who indicated an interest in participating were also included.
The end result of the data collection was the formulation of 1 373
rubrics utilised for analysis purposes, resulting in 881 verified rubrics that
comprise the repertory for Protea cynaroides.
The statistical analysis presented in the previous chapter indicated the
relative effectiveness of each method as well as the reproducibility of the
symptoms elicited, analysed both in terms of rubric level and in terms of
repertory chapter.
This chapter explain the findings presented in Chapter 4 in order to
identify the apparent strengths and weaknesses of each methodology towards
developing an integrated methodology that minimises the pitfalls identified and
concentrating on the strengths. Each methodology applied will be discussed in
chronological order below to facilitate the discussion.
The factors taken into consideration when assessing the strengths and
weaknesses of each methodology are as follows:
Reproducibility of symptoms elicited
Number of symptoms elicited
Types of symptoms elicited
Quality of symptoms elicited
These factors will give an indication of the reproducibility and
relative effectiveness of each method which would allow for the identification of
the positive elements to be incorporated into an integrated methodology, and
also to highlight the pitfalls in order to allow for the development of
mechanisms to minimise their occurrence.
Table 6
Similarity in Rubric Occurrence in 2008 and 2009 Presented by Repertory
Chapter
Repertory Group
1: Group 2: Group
3: Total
Chapter C4 Trituration Proving Sherr Proving Dream proving
n % n % n %
Mind 356 62 368 64 372 65 572
Vertigo 14 58 12 50 22 92 24
Head 66 54 72 59 88 72 122
Eye 40 54 42 57 56 76 74
Vision 6 77 12 35 28 82 34
Ear 18 36 36 72 50 100 50
Hearing 4 33 12 100 4 33 12
Face 52 60 50 57 78 89 88
Mouth 2 48 38 83 24 52 46
Teeth 14 100 2 14 4 29 14
Nose 68 51 96 72 94 70 134
External Throat 6 100 0 0 6 100 6
Throat 2 49 40 61 48 73 66
Expectoration 0 80 4 40 4 40 0
Larynx 0 0 4 100 4 100 4
Respiration 6 45 28 78 18 50 36
Cough 29 4 29 6 43 14
Stomach 72 63 62 54 104 91 114
Abdomen 50 66 24 32 70 92 76
Rectum 28 93 8 27 14 47 30
Stool 22 100 2 9 16 73 22
Bladder 6 60 4 40 10 100 10
Urethra 10 100 4 40 10 100 10
Urine 10 100 4 40 10 100 10
Chest 48 51 46 49 64 68 94
Back 34 41 50 60 66 79 84
Extremities 116 46 162 64 200 79 252
Fever 8 100 2 25 2 25 8
Kidneys 8 100 8 100 8 100 8
Male Organs 2 50 2 50 2 50 4
Female Organs 52 87 20 34 50 83 60
Male-/Female Organs 2 100 2 100 2 100 2
Skin 20 63 22 69 22 69 32
Perspiration 6 100 4 67 4 67 6
Chill 2 100 2 0 2 100 2
Sleep 36 67 32 59 44 81 54
Dreams 200 71 122 43 144 51 284
Generals 202 73 144 52 166 60 278
Mean 68 53 73
ANALYSIS OF THE INCIDENCE OF RUBRIC WITHIN SPECIFIC CHAPTERS FOR THE
THREE METHODOLOGIES APPLIED
In order to ascertain whether the methodology has an affinity to elicit
symptoms in particular organs, one has to look at the individual chapters and
interpret
the results obtained. Below is listed an interpretation and discussion
of the results obtained when applying each proving methodology.
Abdomen
This chapter shows a low occurrence of rubrics in the C4 group and the
rubrics are more likely to be absent than present in both the C4 group and the
dream three.
In analysing the incidence, it is evident that significant differences
exist between all the groups when carrying out a pair-wise comparison. Based on
these comparisons
it is evident that the verum Sherr group is more effective in eliciting
symptoms in the Abdomen chapter than the other two methodologies employed. The
placebo Sherr group, however, elicited a higher number of symptoms than the
Dream group. This illustrates the School of Homeopathy‘s (2004) field theory,
and that everyone in the field experience the effect of the proving albeit in
different degrees of intensity, as expressed by Rosenbaum et al. (2006). This
raises the question of the necessity of including placebo provers in the group
and insinuates that Jansen (2008) is correct in viewing placebo as a waste of
provers.
Back
In the C4 group, the Back chapter reflects a high incidence of rubrics,
much higher in fact than the incidence in any of the other groups. A
significant difference is observable in comparing the results to those obtained
in the other two groups. This may indicate that the mechanical action of
trituration augments the effects of the remedy, making physiological strains on
the body more pronounced. Less weight should be given to symptoms in this
chapter with regard to Group one provers as this is probably more due
to the physical strain of the process than the effect of the remedy. It
should, however, not be discarded, as the symptoms did occur to a lesser degree
in the other groups,
most notably in Group two where the odds ratio indicates a higher
probability of rubric occurring within the chapter than of being absent.
The relationship between the Dream group and the placebo Sherr group
should be noted, where there is virtually the same incidence of rubrics. In the
Dream group 11 rubrics are present in the Back chapter and in the placebo
Jeremy Sherr group 10. This means that there is no significant
difference observable between the groups.
Bladder
These symptoms are more likely to be absent than present in the C4 group
and the Dream group, but due to the small number of rubrics presenting this
chapter results pertaining to the presence in the C4 group appear inflated.
No significant differences are observable between the three groups with
regards to this chapter, leading to the assumption that the rubrics in this
chapter is reproducible through all methodologies and does not show an affinity
to a specific methodology employed. The odds ratio, however, indicates
that the Sherr group, both the placebo and verum sections, have a higher
likelihood of producing bladder symptoms, indicating the possible affinity of
this methodology for producing rubrics in the Bladder chapter. The presence of
five rubrics is however too small to make a conclusive decision.
Chest
When studying the C4 group, the moderate occurrence of rubrics within
this chapter is comparable to the incidence in the verum Sherr group and the
Dream group, thus reflecting no significant differences when applying a
pair-wise intergroup analyses with the C4 group. Significant differences are
however observable when comparing the verum Sherr group and the Dream group, as
well as the verum Sherr group to the placebo portion. Rubrics also have a
higher chance of occurring than of being absent in the C4 group and the verum
Sherr group, marking this chapter as a significant chapter in the proving of
Protea cynaroides, but not a characteristic chapter with regards to a
particular proving methodology.
This is one of the few chapters where a significant difference is
observable between the placebo Sherr group and the Dream group. This is due to
the incidence
of 14 rubrics within the chapter in the Dream group, compared to one
rubric in the placebo Sherr group.
Chill
This chapter did not feature in the C4 proving or either section of the
Sherr proving data elicited. It occurred as a single rubric during the
application of the Dream proving methodology and is thus negligible in the
proving of Protea cynaroides.
Cough
The moderate occurrence of rubrics within this chapter on application of
the C4 group methodology is similar to the incidence in the verum Sherr group
and the Dream group. This, yet again, seems to be a significant chapter in the
proving of Protea cynaroides, but not a characteristic chapter with regards to
a particular methodology. Here again it is observable that rubrics have a
greater chance of occurring than not in the C4 group and the verum
Sherr group, thus leading to the conclusion that these methodologies are
more likely to elicit symptoms belonging to this chapter. Chapter 5
Dreams
The Dreams chapter is the second largest chapter, containing 142
rubrics. In comparing the data pertaining to the Dream chapter it is evident
that dream symptoms are more likely to occur in the verum Sherr group and in
the Dream group. The incidence is however higher in the verum Sherr group than
in the Dream group, where the methodology name insinuates a high occurrence of
dream related symptoms. In looking at the data generated by applying the C4 and
placebo Sherr group, it is evident that in this chapter there is a low
occurrence of rubrics and consequently rubrics are more likely to be absent
than present. Significant differences are found to exist between the C4 group
occurrence of the rubrics in this chapter and that of the verum Sherr group and
the Dream group respectively, but not when comparing the verum Sherr group and
the Dream group. The verum Sherr group and the Dream group methodologies are
thus much more effective in eliciting symptoms in the Dreams chapter.
The paucity of dream symptoms present in the C4 group is possibly due to
the fact that the C4 proving takes place during the trituration process and
consequently means that none of the provers sleep during the proving and are
thus not able to experience dream symptoms.
Ear
This chapter shows a high occurrence of rubrics in the C4 group, but a
total absence in the Dream group. Rubrics are more likely to occur than to be
absent in the C4 group only. In analysing the incidence, it is evident that
significant differences exist between the C4 group occurrence of the rubrics in
this chapter and that of the verum Sherr group and the Dream group
respectively. The C4 methodology is thus more effective in eliciting symptoms
related to the ear than the verum Sherr and Dream proving methodologies. No
significant difference exists between the placebo and verum sections of the
Sherr group, emphasising this methodology‘s lack in producing symptoms
pertaining to the Ear chapter.
Expectoration
Despite the small number of rubrics present in this chapter when
applying the C4 proving methodology, the chances of eliciting the rubrics when
applying any of the three methodologies are slim. The verum Sherr group shows
the highest incidence of rubrics present in this chapter (three) and is the
only section more likely to produce symptoms related to expectoration. This
leads to the conclusion that Expectoration is not an important chapter in the
proving of Protea cynaroides, but it is not possible to make assumptions
regarding the chapter affinity due to the small number of rubrics present.
External Throat
This chapter represents a small number of rubrics and the likelihood of
the rubric being absent when applying the C4, Dream and placebo Sherr methodologies
are high. There is also no significant difference observable in any of the
comparisons between the data elicited when applying the different
methodologies, but the highest incidence and probability of occurrence is seen
in the verum Sherr group. External throat is thus not an important chapter in
this proving.
Expectoration
Despite the small number of rubrics present in this chapter when
applying the C4 proving methodology, the chances of eliciting the rubrics when
applying any of the three methodologies are slim. The verum Sherr group shows
the highest incidence of rubrics present in this chapter (three) and is the
only section more likely to produce symptoms related to expectoration. This
leads to the conclusion that Expectoration is not an important chapter in the
proving of Protea cynaroides, but it is not possible to make assumptions
regarding the chapter affinity due to the small number of rubrics present.
Extremities
Extremities is the 4th largest chapter with 126 rubrics. The high
incidence of rubrics reflected in this chapter for the C4 group is much higher
than the incidence observed in the verum Sherr group and the Dream group and a
significant difference is observable in comparing the results in the C4 group
to those obtained in the other two verum groups. This yet again may be due more
to the physical strain of the process than the effect of the remedy, resulting
in less weight being given to symptoms in this chapter with regards to the C4
group provers. Yet again, symptoms should not be discarded, as the symptoms
were elicited, although to a lesser degree, in the other groups.
It is however more likely to be absent than present in all the groups
except in the C4 group.
Eye
A large proportion of rubrics present in this chapter belong to symptoms
elicited during the application of the C4 proving methodology. Rubrics also
have a higher probability of occurring than of being absent in the C4 group, in
contrast to the other groups. It is interesting to note that no significant
difference exist between the eye symptoms in the C4 group and the verum Sherr
group, but significant differences are observable between the C4 group and the
Dream group. It is, however, evident that no significant differences exist when
comparing the verum Sherr group to the other groups. Eye is thus a prominent
chapter in the C4 group and, to a lesser extent, the verum Sherr group
methodologies, but insignificant when applying the Dream proving methodology.
Face
A moderate number of rubrics are present in the face chapter when
applying the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies. Rubrics also have a higher
probability of occurring than of being absent in these groups. No significant
differences thus exist between these groups. Significant differences are
observable between the C4 group and the Dream group, the verum Sherr group and
placebo Sherr group and the verum Sherr group and the Dream group.
This is due to the greater likelihood of rubric absence in the Face
chapter of the placebo Sherr group and the Dream group, leading to the
assumption that this is a more prominent chapter in the C4 group and verum
Sherr group.
Female organs
This chapter features most strongly in the verum Sherr group. There is
an evidently low occurrence of rubrics when applying the C4 group and the Dream
group methodologies and consequently rubrics are more likely to be absent than
present. In analysing the incidence, it is evident that significant differences
exist between occurrence of rubrics within this chapter between the C4 group
and the verum Sherr group as well as between the verum Sherr group and placebo
Sherr group. No significant difference is observable in the comparison between
the C4 group and the Dream group. The verum Sherr group is thus much more
effective in eliciting symptoms in the Female chapter. The earlier observation
made in the Dream chapter is possible again true for the C4 group due to the
fact that there are few long term effects of the proving and symptoms that
would take a longer time to develop like hormonal changes that would affect the
menses would not manifest during the four hours in which the trituration takes
place.
Fever
This chapter did not feature in the C4 proving data elicited. The verum
Sherr group and the Dream group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this
chapter, but did not reflect a significant difference when comparing them to
the C4 group. The most prominent methodology is that applied in the verum
section of the verum Sherr group, eliciting all four the rubrics. The verum
Sherr group is the only group reflecting a higher probability of symptoms
occurring than of them being absent.
Generals
The Generals chapter is the third largest chapter in this proving,
containing 139 rubrics. When comparing the number of rubrics generated when
applying the various proving methodology, it is evident that an average to
moderate number is present in all the verum groups and no significant
differences exist when comparing the incidence of rubrics in the C4 group to
that of the verum Sherr group and the Dream group. Rubrics also have a higher
probability of occurring in these than of being absent. A significant
difference does however exist between the verum Sherr group and the Dream group
and between the verum and placebo sections of the Sherr group. The significant
differences observable is due to the high number of rubrics absent in this
chapter when applying the Dream group and the placebo Sherr group
methodologies. This leads to the conclusion that the Generals chapter is an important
chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides. This is to be expected due to the
fact that any proving would produce a number of general symptoms (Kent, 1995).
Head
In the C4 group there is a large proportion of rubrics present in the
Head chapter. Rubrics also have a higher probability of occurring than of being
absent when applying this methodology, as well as the Sherr methodology. It is
interesting to note that no significant difference exist between the head
symptoms in the C4 group and the verum Sherr group, but significant differences
are observable between the C4 group and the Dream group and between the verum
and placebo sections of the Sherr group. This is due to the greater likelihood
of rubric absence in the Head chapter of the Dream group and the placebo Sherr
group. Head is thus an important chapter in the C4 group and the verum Sherr
group methodologies, but insignificant when applying the Dream proving
methodology.
Hearing
These symptoms are more likely to be present than absent in the C4
group, whereas the opposite holds true for the other groups. No significant
differences are observable between the three groups with regards to the Hearing
chapter, leading to the assumption that the small number rubrics in this
chapter make it impossible to draw a conclusion as to a particular affinity to
a specific methodology employed. One can, however, note that the C4 group was
the only group to elicit all six rubrics representing this chapter.
Kidneys
This chapter represents a small number of rubrics (four) and the
likelihood of the rubric being absent when applying the C4 and Dream proving
methodologies is high. Three rubrics are present in the verum and two in the
placebo sections of the Sherr group. There is also no significant difference
observable any of the group comparisons, leading to the conclusion that the
Kidneys chapter is probably not a significant chapter in this proving.
Larynx
Only two rubrics represent this chapter. When applying the C4 and Sherr
(verum and placebo sections) proving methodologies, one rubric was elicited in
each of the groups and the likelihood of the rubric occurring is even to the
likelihood of it being absent. There is also no significant difference
observable in the comparison between the data elicited when applying the Sherr
group or the Dream group methodologies compared to that of the C4 group. Larynx
thus seems to be an insignificant chapter in the Protea cynaroides proving.
Male Genitalia
This chapter represents a small number of rubrics (two) and the
likelihood of the rubric occurring is equal to the likelihood of it being
absent when applying the C4 group methodology and in the placebo Sherr group.
There is also no significant difference observable in the comparison between
the data elicited in any of the groups. The Male genitalia chapter also seems
to be an insignificant chapter in the proving of this remedy.
Male and Female Genitalia
The one rubric representing this chapter is present in all three groups
and is thus likely to always occur when conducting this proving.
Mind
Mind is the largest chapter, containing 286 of the rubrics produced as a
result of the Protea cynaroides proving. A large number of rubrics were
elicited in this chapter during the application of all 3 the proving
methodologies. Rubrics also have a higher probability of occurring than of
being absent in the three verum groups. No significant difference exists
between the mind symptoms in the C4 group and the verum Sherr group, but
significant differences are observable between the C4 group and the Dream
group, verum Sherr group and the Dream group and the placebo and verum sections
of the Sherr group. The difference between the C4 group and the Dream group and
the verum Sherr group and the Dream group laid in the fact that the C4 group
elicited 224 rubrics and the verum Sherr group 203 compared to the 177 in the
Dream group. The rubrics in this chapter are reproducible throughout all the
Dream group methodologies and does not show a strong affinity to a specific
methodology employed. This is to be expected due to the fact that any proving
would produce mind symptoms (Kent, 1995).
Perspiration
The low occurrence of rubrics (one out of the Dream group) within this chapter
on application of the C4 group methodology is identical to the incidence in the
verum Sherr group and the Dream group. With all three methodologies it is
unlikely that the Dream group rubrics in the Perspiration chapter would occur,
thus leading to the conclusion that this does not seem to be a significant
chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides.
Rectum
In the C4 group, this chapter reflects a low occurrence and rubrics are
more likely to be absent than present. In analysing the incidence, it is
evident that significant differences exist between the C4 group occurrence of
the rubrics in the Rectum chapter and that of the verum Sherr group and the
Dream group. The verum Sherr group and the Dream group methodologies are thus
much more effective in eliciting symptoms in the Rectum chapter. This yet again
can be explained by the fact that disorders of digestion takes time to
manifest, and during the trituration proving, ascending potencies every hour
prevents the development of these types of disorders.
Respiration
This chapter shows a high occurrence of rubrics elicited by the
application of the C4 proving methodology, followed by a significantly lower
incidence in the verum Sherr group and the Dream group. Rubrics are more likely
to occur than to be absent in the C4 group alone. In analysing the incidence,
it is evident that significant differences exist between the C4 group
occurrence of the rubrics in this chapter and that of the verum Sherr group and
the Dream group. The C4 methodology is thus more effective in eliciting
symptoms related to the respiration than the Sherr and Dream proving
methodologies.
Skin
The high occurrence of rubrics within this chapter on application of the
verum Sherr group methodology and the moderate occurrence in the C4 group
reflect no significant difference to exist between these groups. A significant
difference exists when comparing the incidence between the verum Sherr group
and the Dream group. In the Dream group and the placebo Sherr group it is observable
that rubrics have a greater chance of occurring than not, but the opposite is
true for the C4 group and the verum Sherr group. This thus seems to be a
significant chapter when applying the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies.
Sleep
Sleep symptoms were elicited in the application of all the verum proving
methodologies, and show a higher probability of occurring than of being absent.
No significant differences are evident in comparing the rubric incidence in all
three the verum groups, but a significant difference is evident when comparing
the verum and placebo sections of the Sherr group. The Sleep chapter can thus
be seen significant chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides, not showing a
particular affinity to a proving methodology. It is interesting, however to
note that although the C4 proving did not elicit significant symptoms in the
Dreams chapter, it was able to affect the sleep of the provers.
Stomach
No significant differences are observable between the data elicited in
the C4 group and the verum Sherr group. In these groups, rubrics also reflect a
tendency to occurring rather than of being absent. Significant differences are
observable between the C4 group and the Dream group, the verum Sherr group and
the Dream group and between the placebo and verum sections of the Sherr group.
The difference between the C4 group and the Dream group and the verum Sherr
group and the Dream group lays in the fact that the C4 group elicited 29
rubrics and the verum Sherr group 37 rubrics compared to the nine rubrics
produced in the Dream group. The rubrics in this chapter show an affinity to
the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies employed.
Stool
This chapter did not feature in the C4 proving data elicited. This
observation is again due to the fact that digestive disturbances take longer to
manifest than the duration of the C4 proving. The verum Sherr group and the
Dream group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this chapter, but the Dream
group has a larger probability of not producing the symptoms than of producing
it. This thus reflects that this chapter is favoured by the Sherr proving
methodology, but that it is insignificant when applying the C4 and Dream
methodologies.
Teeth
This chapter did not feature in the C4 proving data elicited. The verum
Sherr group and the Dream group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this
chapter, thus reflecting a significant difference when comparing them to the C4
group. No significant difference exists between the verum Sherr group and the
Dream group data. However, due to the small number of rubrics (seven)
representing this chapter, one cannot draw a definite conclusion, but this
chapter does seem to be favoured by the Sherr and Dream methodologies. This
also supports the observation that the C4 methodology does not elicit symptoms
that are more insidious in developing.
Throat
A large proportion of rubrics present in this chapter were elicited
during the application of the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies. Rubrics also
have a higher probability of occurring than of being absent within these
groups.
No significant difference were found to exist between the throat
symptoms in the C4 group and the verum Sherr group, but significant differences
can be observed between the C4 group and the Dream group. The difference
between the C4 group and the Dream group lays in the fact that the C4 group
elicited 23 rubrics compared to the 13 in the Dream group. The Dream group also
shows a higher probability of rubric absence. The rubrics in this chapter show
an affinity to the application of the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies.
Urethra
The low occurrence of rubrics within this chapter on application of the
C4 group methodology is similar to the incidence in the Dream group. No
significant difference is thus observable between the C4 group and the Dream
group. With the C4 and Dream proving methodologies it is unlikely that the five
rubrics in the Urethra chapter would occur, but the opposite is true for the
Sherr methodology, both in its placebo and verum section. This concurs with the
findings in the Bladder chapter. But, yet again, the presence of five rubrics
is too small to make a conclusive decision on whether there exists a definite
affinity within the Sherr group methodology for this chapter.
Urine
This chapter did not feature in the C4 proving data elicited. The verum
Sherr group and the Dream group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this
chapter, but due to the small number of rubrics (five) representing this
chapter the differences were not significant when comparing the groups. It is
interesting to note that both the C4 group and the Dream group have a higher
probability of the rubric being absent, while the opposite is true for the
Sherr group‘s verum section. The verum Sherr group thus may favour the
development of symptoms related to urine, but the results are inconclusive.
This concurs with the conclusion drawn in the Urethra chapter.
Vertigo
This chapter represents a small number of rubrics and the likelihood of
the rubric occurring is equal to the likelihood of it being absent when
applying the C4 group methodology. In the Dream group, rubrics are more likely
to be absent and in the verum Sherr group they are more likely to be present.
No significant difference is observable in the comparison between the data
elicited when applying any of the methodologies. Vertigo seems to be favoured
by the Sherr proving methodology, where with the C4 proving methodology it is
not possible to draw a conclusion either way.
Vision
The rubrics present in this chapter were predominantly elicited during
the application of the Sherr proving methodology, followed by the C4 proving
methodology. Rubrics reflect a tendency to occur rather than of being absent in
the C4 group and two. No significant difference is observable when comparing
the C4 group and the verum Sherr group, but a significant difference is evident
between the C4 group and the Dream group and the verum Sherr group and the
Dream group. The difference when comparing the C4 group and the verum Sherr
group to the Dream group lays in the fact that the C4 group elicited 11 rubrics
and the verum Sherr group 17 rubrics compared to the 5 in the Dream group. The
C4 group and two thus reflects an affinity for eliciting symptoms in the Vision
chapter, where the Dream group does not.
AN INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY
The most effective methodologies are those employed in Groups one and
two, namely the C4 trituration and the Sherr proving methodologies. In
comparing the chapters where these methodologies predominate, it is evident
that a combination of the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies would yield the
most effective proving. The C4 methodology seems to be most effective in
eliciting acute responses (organs of sensation - eyes, ears, nose, tongue and
skin- as well as those organs in which diseases develop quickly, for example
the respiratory system.
In applying the Sherr methodology, it is evident that both acute and
more insidious symptoms develop, although the senses are not favoured as
prominently as in the C4 proving. Disorders of the digestive and reproductive
systems are thus more evident on application of the Sherr methodology, but
disorders of the respiratory system also occurred.
From the data presented in the sections above, it is evident that the
Dream proving methodology is only marginally more successful in eliciting
proving symptoms than the placebo portion of the Sherr methodology. The
methodology does not cause provers to experience large numbers of symptoms and
is more likely to not elicit a response than to elicit one.
The integrated methodology proposed is as follows:
STAGE 1: Roles are assigned to the parties involved. The selected
proving committee decides on the exact protocol and the remedy, as well as
assigning prover numbers, remedy codes and starting dates. Provers are screened
for suitability as suggested by the Sherr methodology. The committee also
allocates supervisors to the provers.
The pre-proving interview takes place, comprising of the taking of a
complete case history and a physical examination to establish the baseline
symptoms of the prover. Informed consent should be obtained from all
participants in writing to comply with ethical standards and to protect the
rights of the provers. During this interview, notebooks are distributed and the
provers are required to keep notes of their normal state at least one week
prior to commencing the proving.
STAGE 2a: The first phase of administration of the proving substance
takes place through performing a C4 trituration of the substance. At least 10
provers should form part
of this group. Experienced C4 provers should be favoured for this stage,
especially if they have worked together for long enough to develop a group
dynamic. Initially provers do not have the confidence to record all the
symptoms they experience, or the ability to identify which symptoms are
relevant; this only comes with experience. The C4 proving would allow for the
preliminary development of a remedy picture. After each trituration level a
group discussion should take place in order to discuss the provers‘ experiences
and to verify the symptoms noted.
The experiences and symptoms reported by the C4 provers would then be
extracted and collated. These experiences are then categorised according to the
different levels, i.e. whether the symptoms fall under the physical, emotional,
mental or spiritual levels. The data from the different levels can then be
analysed to reveal the predominant themes of the proving. These themes can then
be arranged to indicate the evolution of the experiences elicited during the
proving process.
STAGE 2b: The symptoms elicited through the C4 proving would then be
verified by carrying out an orthodox proving based on the guidelines laid down
by Sherr (1994).
The prover group should include a minimum of 15 verum provers. The use
of placebo provers are optional, but should not include more than 10%, as any
larger a group would serve no purpose, as expressed by Jansen (2008). Here,
provers should be sensitive individuals able to accurately record the symptoms
they experience.
The posology should ensure a large likelihood for the development of
symptoms, without putting the prover‘s future health at risk. The suggested
three doses per day for two consecutive days elicited a large proving response,
as it is important to have frequent repetition of the dose until proving
symptoms emerge and then to discontinue further doses.
All symptoms elicited during both phases of the proving should be
verified through a personal interview with the prover. This should take place
as close to the experience as possible to prevent provers from losing touch
with the experience. This would ensure that the researcher can fully appreciate
all the aspects of the symptoms experienced in order to record the description
of the symptoms as comprehensively as possible.
STAGE 3: The provers from phase two meet with the supervisors in order
to discuss the symptoms experienced, to verify the symptoms and to ensure that
all the descriptions are as concise as possible. The provers from both proving
phases meet as a group to discuss their symptoms and experiences. All the valid
symptoms are extracted from the notebooks and the remedy name is announced. The
extraction process can be carried out using NVivo software for the thematic
coding of the symptoms. The themes identified during the extraction process of
the C4 trituration proving data can be utilised as starting nodes.
STAGE 4: The extractions are collated and typed. Toxicological data is
added and the symptoms are edited by the co-ordinator.
STAGE 5: The symptoms are repertorised and graded.
STAGE 6: Publishing of the proving
In following the integrated methodology described in the preceding
paragraphs, complete symptoms can be elicited on all levels, i.e. a
comprehensive description of symptoms can be obtained pertaining to the
physical, general, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. This description
would facilitate deeper understanding
of the cycles present in the development of the consciousness of the
remedy and result in a materia medica that would immediately be applicable in
practice. Prescription of the remedy would facilitate clinical verification of
the symptoms elicited, completing the investigation of the remedy picture.
PROTEA CYNAROIDES AND THE AIDS MIASM
At first glance, Protea cynaroides seems to belong to the Acute miasm,
possessing features of fear of sudden attack coupled with a fight or flight
response.
This response is characterised by anxiety, heart palpitations and a
bounding pulse (Sankaran, 1999). These features are only evident in the
aetiology of the mental/emotional symptoms of the remedy, indicating the
presence of a more evolved miasm.
Stage one of the mental/emotional development, shows to the Psora miasm.
There is a sensitivity to all stimuli which produces functional disturbances
e.g. itching, nausea, headaches and diarrhoea (Hahnemann, 1995).
Protea cynaroides also exhibit features of the Tuberculinic miasm:
Oppression with a desire to break free from the restrictions. This feeling,
however, is only evident in the second developmental stage of the protea.
This desire to break free, however, develops into extreme destructive
reactions, taking on Syphilitic features in stage four, thus developing beyond
the racing pace of the Tuberculinic miasm (Sankaran, 2000).
The miasm that encompasses features of all the miasms discussed above is
the AIDS miasm. Comprised of features combining Psora and Syphilis, it is
similar to the Tuberculinic miasm, but where Psora is dominant in the
Tuberculinic miasm, Syphilis dominates the AIDS miasm.
In the development of the consciousness of Protea cynaroides, as
illustrated in the previous chapter under section 4.3.1, the emergence of the
AIDS miasm is evident. In stage one there are no boundaries for the individual,
who is dependent on the family/group to provide the boundaries. These
boundaries are however too restrictive for the emerging individualism,
resulting in the desire to break away from the group. In an effort to compensate
for the feelings of abandonment, the ego hypertrophies to create the illusion
of strength and individuality. A large amount of energy is required to maintain
this state (Norland, 2003b).
When the energy resources are depleted, the individual withdraws,
detaching from society and emotions, becoming cold and hard in an effort to
create new, artificial boundaries. In this state, the realisation develops that
the only true safety lies within the family and group. There is a resignation,
but also sadness for that which has been
lost in the process (Norland, 2003b).
It is thus evident that this remedy shares common themes with the AIDS
miasm. It is the researcher‘s opinion that it mirrors the predominant social
state present in South Africa, and perhaps the African continent. Protea
cynaroides may be able to relieve some of the anxiety and aggression present in
this society, paving the way to peace and resignation.
Conclusion
From the data presented above, one can thus conclude that in order to
elicit symptoms representing all 38 chapters present in the Protea cynaroides
proving, the C4 trituration proving and the Sherr proving methodologies would
have to be combined. Although Group two is able to elicit the majority of
symptoms, it would be even more effective when it is combined with the C4
proving methodology, as illustrated by the suggested integrated methodology is
presented in this chapter.
CHAPTER 6
6.1 CONCLUSION
The aim of this study was to compare the most commonly employed proving
methodologies in order to ascertain the reproducibility of each method and to
compare the relative effectiveness of each of the methods. This was done with
the purpose of developing an integrated methodology.
In the preceding chapters data were presented regarding the history of
provings and proving methodologies. The most commonly employed methodologies
were firstly the Hahnemannian Methodology, the original methodology, where
provings were carried out unblinded, utilising no placebo controls and the
sample sizes were small. Symptom verification was carried out by selecting
trustworthy and conscientious volunteers (Dantas et al., 2007) and personally
verifying every symptom elicited to ascertain the true nature of the symptom
(Hughes, 1912; Rosenbaum & Waissen-Priven, 2006). Strict rules existed
about the diet and lifestyle of the provers in order to minimise the variables
(Dantas et al., 2007; Hahnemann, 1999; Raeside, 1962). These restrictions are
very difficult to impose on a 21st century lifestyle.
The second methodology discussed was Kent‘s methodology, where the
importance of self-examination prior to the commencement of the proving,
through keeping a pre-proving diary in the preceding week, was emphasised. Participants
were also unaware of the name and nature of the substance (Kent, 1995). Provers
were also selected based on their susceptibility to certain substances to
ensure that they were sensitive to the substance investigated during the
proving process.
The next methodology discussed was the Dream proving methodology, which
elaborate on single-blind studies that cover a limited time span and focus
mainly on the Dreams of the provers. During these trials no placebo control
were used. The merit of this methodology lies in the provers‘ emotional
responses to the dreams, as the dreams have the ability to illustrate the
provers‘ uncompensated feelings and reactions.
The Vithoulkas methodology proves substances using toxic, hypotoxic and
highly potentised doses. The medicine is administered 3x daily for a month or
until symptoms appear. Symptoms recorded were drawn from all three levels of
the organism: mental, emotional and physical. The provings were always
conducted as a double-blind study utilising a 25% placebo inclusion. The sample
size consisted of 50 to 100 provers.
The next methodology, the Sherr methodology, is also known as the
standard Hahnemannian proving (Hogeland & Schriebman, 2008: XV). These
provings were carried out on a sample size of 15 - 20 provers as double blind
studies including 10 - 20% placebo provers. The suggested posology is oral
administration of
six doses over two days. Pre-proving diaries are kept for one to two
weeks prior to commencing the proving.
The Sankaran methodology followed a protocol midway between the Dream
provings the standard Hahnemannian provings. The provings are also single blind
studies, carried out by 5 - 25 volunteers who observe and record all physical
and emotional symptoms, as well as dreams, incidents and observations of
others.
In an attempt to standardise proving methods, the International Council
for Classical Homoeopathy (ICCH) recommended guidelines for good provings which
comprise of a sample group of between 10 - 20 provers. It is recommended using
two to three potencies during the proving, as well as including a placebo
control of 10 - 30%.
The Herscu methodology provided a guideline to others who are interested
in conducting provings. It suggested a group size of 15 to 40 people, which
made allowances for placebo controls (5 in every 40 provers) and potential
dropouts. Prover sensitivity should be considered when selecting the provers in
order to assure that the proving group comprise of different constitutional
types.
The School of Homeopathy bases its methodology on the protocol laid out
by Hahnemann in the Organon of Medicine and takes into account the comments and
clarifications made by Kent, Sherr and Herscu, but emphasise the dynamics of
the group proving on the premise that the whole group is involved in the
proving, not only those who take the remedy. Administration of the remedy can
be orally or through meditation.
At the Nature Care College, Gray attempted to develop standards to
ensure the quality of modern provings and also verify the findings of older
provings. The methodology follows guidelines laid down by Sherr and Herscu.
The proving design withheld the name of the substance, but utilised no
placebo control. The remedy was administered twice daily as five drops
sublingually until symptoms developed.
Meditative Provings were carried out by up to four groups of provers,
comprising of six to 12 members, sitting in meditation circles. The potencies
utilised varies from 30C
to 10M. During meditative provings all the information were intuited or
channelled whilst the group is sitting in a circle meditating. The final
methodology discussed was the C4 proving, which took place during a trituration
process. Participants record all the symptoms they experience during the
trituration, and discuss these experienced during
a wrap-up conversation after the trituration process. The participants
are usually not aware of the substance being triturated.
From this data, three main methodologies were identified by virtue of
the similarities between them. The C4 proving was identified as the first group
as it contained some elements of the meditative provings as well.
1. The trituration process forms part of the remedy preparation, as set
out in the GHP (Benyunes, 2005), and should thus logically precede any methodology
requiring the oral administration of medicine.
2. The second group was classified under the Sherr methodology, as it
represented a modernisation of the Hahnemannian and Kentian methodologies. It
also had features in common with the Vithoulkas, Sankaran, ICCH, Herscu and
Nature Care College methodologies.
3. The last group represented the unblinded studies of meditative
provings and the School of Homeopathy and was group under the Dream proving
methodology. The last two groups required the oral administration of the
proving substance, although the assignment of the second and third groups were
random.
In order to conduct the research 70 provers were recruited to test the
unknown substance through application of the three methodologies mentioned above.
Each group comprised of 20 verum provers, 10 in each year, with an additional
10 provers in Group two as placebo provers, as indicated in Table 2. The
proving experiences recorded by these provers were then analysed to test the
hypotheses below.
The hypotheses were formulated firstly to illustrate that different
methodologies yield different numbers and types of symptoms, secondly to prove
the reproducibility of symptoms elicited during consecutive provings of the
same substance, utilising the same methodology and thirdly that differences
exist between the symptoms yielded by the placebo and the verum groups within
the same methodology. From testing these hypotheses, the strengths and
weaknesses of individual methodologies could be identified, as is discussed
below, in order to formulate an integrated methodology presented under section
5.5 in the previous chapter.
The first methodology, the C4 proving methodology, is unique because no
dose of the medicine is taken orally. The proving symptoms are based on the
experiences of the participants during the trituration process, thus requiring
provers who are familiar with trituration, as well as those who are sensitive
enough to notice the subtle changes brought about during the proving.
The C4 proving is mainly limited to the four hours during which the
trituration takes place, and consequently few symptoms are experienced once the
trituration have been completed. The limitation of this method lies in the fact
that the development of more insidious symptoms are limited to those provers
who are very sensitive to the substance and would react to the olfactory mode
of medicine administration. It also confirmed Sherr‘s (1994: 16-7) observation
that provings offering a short cut to an inner essence lack the larger totality
of physical, general and long term symptoms.
The advantages of this methodology also lie in the short duration of the
proving, which would inspire better compliance from the provers. Provers are
also more willing to participate due to the relative scarcity of long term
effects.
The Sherr proving methodology was the second methodology identified and
is modelled on the methodology proposed in The Dynamics and Methodology of
Homoeopathic Provings (Sherr, 1994). This methodology represents an updated
version of the methodology developed by Hahnemann and is able to accommodate a
21st century life style.
In the application of this methodology, provers take several oral doses
of the proving substance, usually six doses during a 48 hour time span, but discontinue
the administration of doses as soon as proving symptoms develop. The duration
of the proving varies according to the nature of the proving substance, but
normally lasts for four to six weeks.
The limitations of this methodology rest in the strict inclusion
criteria which excludes a large proportion of the female population due to the
fact that the use of oral contraceptives is prohibited.
The longer duration also caused potential participants to be hesitant to
enlist, as life has to be put on hold for the duration of the proving in favour
of a moderate lifestyle.
The Sherr methodology has however been used extensively and has proved
its worth as an efficient and scientifically acceptable method, complying with
most of the ICCH regulation regarding provings and the ethics of provings. It
is also placebo controlled, which makes it admissible under phase one clinical
trials.
The final methodology, the Dream proving methodology, represents the
sentiments of group provings, seminar provings and meditative provings, where
the minimum dosages are administered and most of the proving takes place in the
subconscious mind, represented by dreams and imagery. It can be adjusted to
suit any time frame and is less rigorous in its application. It has thus gained
popularity among those who do not want to be limited by a scientific method.
The disadvantage lies in the fact that this makes standardisation of the
method nearly impossible, especially since even the dosages are
non-standardised, ranging from olfaction to oral dosages. During the
application of this methodology, attempts were made to standardise the posology
in order to limit the variables and make it comparable with the other two
methodologies. The once daily dose, however, produced markedly less symptoms,
leading to the conclusion that more frequent repetition is needed to ensure
that a proving response is elicited.
In applying these methodologies in the proving of Protea cynaroides, the
purpose was to test the four stated hypotheses:
Hypothesis 1: Proving symptoms are reproducible when applying identical
proving methodologies in consecutive years.
The results of the statistical tests presented in Chapter 4 reflected a
reasonable level of reproducibility, but highlighted the fact that different
provers would result in different symptoms due to their individual
susceptibility and sensitivity to the proving substance. There was, however,
not one of the groups that exhibited a reproducibility level of less than 50%,
leading to the conclusion that the symptoms produced in consecutive years while
applying the same methodology is comparable. This effectively proves the first
hypothesis.
Hypothesis 2: Some proving methodologies are more effective in yielding
proving symptoms than others, in terms of number, type and quality of symptoms
elicited.
The discussion around the chapter affinity of the different
methodologies presented under section 5.4 illustrated that it is indeed the
case. Strong chapter affinities were observable when applying the C4 and Sherr
proving methodologies. The C4 methodology seems to favour the chapters dealing
with the senses, evident in the Ear, Eye, Hearing, Mouth, Nose, Skin and Vision
chapters where the C4 rubrics were more prevalent than the Sherr rubrics. The
Sherr methodology was evident in the remainder of the chapters, indicating the
wide applicability of this methodology.
The Dream methodology indicated the least amount of chapter affinities,
eliciting mainly Mind, Dream and General symptoms, but not as prominently as
these chapters feature under the application of the Sherr methodology. From
this study it is thus evident that different methodologies yield different
types of symptoms.
Hypothesis 3: A distinct difference exists between the symptoms yielded
by the placebo and verum groups within the same methodology.
The investigation into the differences existing between the symptoms
yielded by the placebo and the verum groups within the Sherr proving
methodology, proved the hypothesis to be true, as discussed in section 5.2, and
is evident in the number of rubrics produced by each section. The verum portion
elicited 63% of the total rubrics compared to the placebo portion which only
elicited 28%. Placebo provers thus elicit far less symptoms during the proving
process than verum provers, proving that homoeopathic drug provings are not a
placebo response, but that the administration of the medicine results in the
development of clearly observable symptoms in the participants. The presence of
proving symptoms within the placebo group, however, may lend support to the
theories as to the group/field effect (Norland, 1999) and quantum entanglement
(Lewith et al., 2006; Milgrom, 2007; Walach et al., 2004), bringing into
question the usefulness of including placebo provers in the sample. It rather
supports Jansen‘s (2008) suggestion that provers act as their own control by
comparing the symptoms elicited during the proving to those experienced in the
pre-proving diarisation period.
Hypothesis 4: In studying the relative effectiveness of proving
methodologies it is possible to develop an integrated methodology. From the
data gathered during this investigation, clear conclusions could be drawn
regarding the relative effectiveness of the three methodologies employed. This
data was sufficient to allow for the development of an integrated methodology,
as presented in the previous chapter under section 5.5, that would aid in the
conduction of reproducible and scientifically verifiable proving.
As assumed, the proving did produce clearly observable symptoms in
healthy provers. The symptoms gathered through the application of the
methodologies were also comprehensive enough to develop a complete materia
medica and repertory for Protea cynaroides.
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum